Why you should eat chickpeas for weight loss, plus 6 amazing ways for you to start enjoying them today! (2024)

Martha M. Henze, MPH, MS, RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Global Public Health Epidemiologist

Eat chickpeas for weight loss and enjoy the numerous health benefits you've got coming when you add them to your diet. They are inexpensive, tasty, and versatile. So, what's not to love?

Why you should eat chickpeas for weight loss, plus 6 amazing ways for you to start enjoying them today! (2)

Consumed across millennia, chickpeas eaten for weight loss is a modern-day trend.

Valued for their nutty flavor and culinary range, chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. Humans have eaten them for thousands of years. Chickpeas were even found in archaeological sites in Jericho and are the most widely consumed legume in the world.

Why should I eat chickpeas for weight loss?

Chickpeas are “nutrient-dense”, meaning they offer an impressive amount of nutrients per calorie. When you limit your calories for weight loss, it is essential to make your food choices count in the nutrients department.

Consider the nutritional analysis for 1/2 cup of chickpeas from MyNetDiary.
Chickpeas are:

  • low in calories: 106 calories.
  • high in fiber: 5 grams of fiber.
  • high in protein: 6 grams of protein.
  • a good source of folate, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Due to their high-fiber and protein content, chickpeas are excellent for weight loss diets because they keep you fuller longer and control appetite. A study found that women who ate chickpeas instead of white bread, consumed fewer calories at their next meal.

Other health benefits of chickpeas

The soluble fiber in chickpeas and other legumes helps slow the rise of blood sugar after a meal. Soluble fiber also helps lower blood cholesterol levels by its action in the gut.

Are you looking for gut-health benefits? The fiber in chickpeas also serves as a prebiotic, (food for healthy bacteria in the gut).

Including chickpeas and other legumes as part of the DASH diet can help lower blood pressure, most likely due to the magnesium and potassium content.

Dried vs. canned?

Canned chickpeas are convenient, but watch out for sodium. You can rinse them to decrease sodium or buy “no salt added” versions.

Freshly prepared chickpeas from dried result in a creamier texture than canned. The solution? Keep both dried and canned chickpeas stocked in your pantry.

Digestive side effects

Chickpeas can be gassy, but somewhat less so than other legumes. Up to 1/4 cup of chickpeas daily is allowed on a low FODMAP diet for digestive issues.

Gradually add chickpeas and other legumes to your diet to allow your body to adjust. Over time, you will better tolerate them. Products such as BeanoⓇ help digest the gas-forming carbohydrate in beans. Draining and rinsing away the liquid from the can and rinsing the soaking water from dried beans before cooking helps as well.

Cooking dried chickpeas

  1. Pour 1 to 2 cups of dried chickpeas in a pot on the stove. Cover the beans with cold water. Let sit overnight for 8-12 hours.
  2. The next day, drain off water and rinse the chickpeas in a colander. Cover the beans with fresh water, enough for 1-2 inches of water above the beans. A good ratio is one cup of beans to three cups of water. Bring to a boil on the stovetop and simmer for 1-2 hours until tender.

Serving tips: Take a trip around the world!

Chickpeas are commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes, but are versatile in many cuisines. Try these recipes from the MyNetDiary Premium collection:

North African Bulgur and Chickpea Salad
A delicious, filling salad using wholesome ingredients and offering 15 grams of fiber per serving.

Eggplant Chickpea Curry
This creamy curry combines eggplant and chickpeas for a tasty vegan and gluten-free dish.

Easy Classic Homemade Hummus
The Arabic word for chickpeas, is a popular, thick spread used on pita bread or as a dip with vegetables.

Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas makes an easy snack or crunchy and healthy salad-topper.

Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This tasty salad takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is big on flavor with a bonus of 12 grams of fiber per serving.

Welcome chickpeas into your kitchen and enjoy some healthy and tasty dishes from around the world.

Related content

Are canned beans healthy?

3 Healthy lentil recipes perfect for weight loss and a vegetarian diet

Two dietitian-approved easy bean recipes to support your weight-loss and bood sugar goals

This blog was reviewed and updated by the MyNetDiary Dietitians on March 27, 2024

Still new to MyNetDiary? Learn more today by downloading the app for FREE.

Foods & Recipes->"Beans, Peas, & Soy" Nutrients->"Carbs: Fiber, Starch, & Sugar"

Mar 29, 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided here does not constitute medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, please visit your healthcare provider or medical professional.

Why you should eat chickpeas for weight loss, plus 6 amazing ways for you to start enjoying them today! (2024)

FAQs

Why you should eat chickpeas for weight loss, plus 6 amazing ways for you to start enjoying them today!? ›

Chickpeas are a known ingredient in combating excess weight because they are low in calories compared to the number of nutrients they provide. Suppose you eat low-calorie, high-fibre foods like chickpeas daily. In that case, you are highly likely to experience weight loss, especially when combined with some exercise.

Can you lose weight by eating chickpeas every day? ›

Chickpeas are a known ingredient in combating excess weight because they are low in calories compared to the number of nutrients they provide. Suppose you eat low-calorie, high-fibre foods like chickpeas daily. In that case, you are highly likely to experience weight loss, especially when combined with some exercise.

Are chickpeas good for losing belly fat? ›

Chickpeas May Help Control Your Weight

Because chickpeas are high in fiber, they help you to feel fuller longer. Satiety means you won't overeat, which helps you maintain or lose weight. They're also delicious when they're made into hummus.

What is the best time to eat chickpeas? ›

Yes, it is ok to eat Chickpeas at night, in fact, they can be eaten at any time of day. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and a constituent (tryptophan) which helps in getting a healthy and sound sleep[6].

What happens to your body when you eat chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas are high in dietary fiber, especially a soluble fiber called raffinose. The good bacteria in your gut breaks this down so your colon can digest it slowly. Studies have found that eating more chickpeas can help make bowel movements easier and more regular. They can help lower cholesterol.

What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›

Not only are these superfoods super tasty, but they're also extremely versatile. Meaning, no matter how long you're socially isolated, you won't run out of ways to make chickpeas. "Chickpeas are wonderful to add directly to your dish—like salad, pasta, or soup—for extra protein and fiber," Cannon told us.

What are the disadvantages of eating chickpeas everyday? ›

Gastrointestinal problems

These sugars are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine and cause intestinal bloating or trapped gas within the intestine that causes discomfort. People with the following digestive tract diseases are advised to avoid chickpeas: Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis.

Should you eat canned chickpeas? ›

Canned chickpeas are one of the most versatile foods on the planet and should be an essential pantry staple in any kitchen. You can do so many things with chickpeas, from breakfast and lunch to dinner and dessert. Keep reading to learn 12 amazing and delicious ways to use a can of chickpeas.

Which is healthier, chickpeas or garbanzo beans? ›

Are there differences in nutrients between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? No, chickpeas and garbanzo beans do not have a nutritional difference, as they are the same type of legume.

Do chickpeas help with sleep? ›

Chickpeas and milk are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can help to improve sleep.

Do chickpeas detox your body? ›

The fiber and phytonutrients make this an ideal detox meal. Chickpeas are a natural appetite suppressant too!

Which chickpeas are best for weight loss? ›

Black chickpeas are slightly higher in protein and fibre than white chickpeas, and they also contain more iron, folate, and antioxidants. On the other hand, white chickpeas are slightly lower in calories and carbohydrates than black chickpeas, making them a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.

Are chickpeas good for skin? ›

Chickpeas are rich in magnesium which helps reduce the fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. It helps in balancing out the fatty acids in the body which increases the elasticity of the skin, gets rid of the wrinkles and smoothens out the fine lines. It also prevents premature wrinkles.

Can I eat canned chickpeas everyday? ›

In fact, many registered dietitians say that if you eat canned chickpeas regularly, your body will actually see a myriad of health benefits. Between the plant-based protein, fiber, and even the complex carbohydrates that are within these tiny legumes, having chickpeas in your diet is ultimately a good health move.

What happens if I eat black chickpeas everyday? ›

Black Chana contains a wide range of phytochemicals including carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, iron, phosphate, chloride etc. These phytochemicals serve as antioxidants and prevent various cancers. Regular intake of black chickpeas strengthens bones and reduces hot flushes in menopausal women.

How many cups of chickpeas should I eat a day? ›

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults should aim for approximately 1 to 1.5 cups (200 to 300 grams) of chickpeas as a daily portion. This amount provides a substantial source of plant-based protein, especially important for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.

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